An Open Heart

“Open your heart to us!”

2 Corinthians 6:13b (NLT)

Is your heart open or closed? It most likely depends on the relationship, doesn’t it? We can have an open heart toward one person while closing off our hearts to another. Marriage and family illustrate this concept well. A wife or husband may be totally open to a son or daughter while closing their heart to their mate. An open heart is essential for intimacy. It is trusting, loving, and engaging. When I close my heart, I’m more suspicious, withdrawn and nonresponsive. This was the case in the relationship of the Apostle Paul with the church he planted in Corinth. Issues had developed within the church that Paul had to address. His attempt at correcting those issues resulted in a number of people closing their hearts toward him. They became defensive and withdrawn. Paul writes to them with this appeal, “Oh, dear Corinthian friends! We have spoken honestly with you, and our hearts are open to you. There is no lack of love on our part, but you have withheld your love from us. I am asking you to respond as if you were my own children. Open your hearts to us!” 2 Corinthians 6:11-13 (NLT)

Again, in the following chapter he says, “Please open your hearts to us.” 2 Corinthians 7:2a (NLT) You can almost feel the angst and pain in his request to these people he loved. If you’ve ever experienced a loved one closing their hearts to you, you know what they were going through. How do you know when your heart is closed? When you close off your heart to another, you withhold your love from them. Is there someone to whom you have closed your heart? A closed heart can quickly become a hard heart – indifferent, calloused, and uncaring. Ask God to tenderize your heart. Time is short, and relationships matter. Don’t let the cancel culture we live in today infect the vital connections you need with others.

Maybe you need to take the initiative and make the appeal to someone you love who has closed off their heart to you. Before you do, take some time to read 2 Corinthians 6 and 7 to see what Paul did that restored their relationship. Notice how he addresses the issues while affirming his love and encouraging those to whom he was appealing.

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To read this devotional online or catch up on past ones, visit kerryshook.org/blog.

As you continue your quiet time, prayer is a powerful way to stay connected to God and the family of Christ. The Woodlands Church Prayer Board offers a simple space to lift others in prayer and let them know you are standing with them. You can also share your own request and receive prayer support whenever you need it.

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